HOME / how to choose between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels
Monocrystalline solar panels have black-colored solar cells made of a single silicon crystal and usually have a higher efficiency rating. However, these panels often come at a higher price. Polycrystalline solar panels have blue-colored cells made of multiple silicon crystals melted together.
Polycrystalline, or multicrystalline, solar panels contain multiple silicon crystals and are made by melting them together to form a polycrystalline solar panel wafer. Polycrystalline panels are the second most common solar panel type. They are less efficient than monocrystalline panels because electrons have less room to move.
Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels are made from silicon, but the way they're manufactured, and how they perform, sets them apart. Monocrystalline panels are made from a single, pure crystal of silicon, which gives them their sleek black appearance and higher efficiency.
Monocrystalline panels begin with a pure silicon seed crystal grown using the Czochralski method. This seed is slowly pulled from molten silicon, forming a single crystal ingot. The ingot is then sliced into thin wafers and treated with anti-reflective coatings and metal contacts to form solar cells.
Efficiency and Performance: Assess the efficiency and performance requirements of your solar panel system. High voltage panels generally offer enhanced efficiency due to reduced energy losses during transmission. If maximizing energy production is a priority, high voltage systems may be more suitable.
Cost-Effectiveness: Low voltage solar panels often come at a lower initial cost compared to high voltage alternatives. If you have budget constraints or require a smaller-scale solar system, low voltage panels may be a more cost-effective option.
Here's an overview of the most common solar panel voltages—12V, 24V, and higher-voltage options—and when each is typically preferred. Common Applications: RVs, boats, small off-grid cabins, and portable power systems. 12V solar panels are popular in small, portable systems where power needs are minimal.
High Voltage vs. Low Voltage Solar Panels: What's The Difference? A standard off-the-shelf solar panel will have about 18 to 30 volts output, whereas a higher voltage output would be 60 or 72-volt panels. The higher voltage of course means more power in one go, which could mean you can run a larger load at the same time.
As of January 2025, the average solar panel system costs $2.92/W including installation in New York. For a 5 kW installation, this comes out to about $14,608 before incentives, though prices range from $12,417 to $16,799. After the federal tax credit, the average price drops by 30%. You'll probably pay even less than what we show here.
One of the biggest cost factors for your solar panel installation is the size of the system you have installed. System size is measured in kilowatts (kW) and is determined by household energy consumption. The average cost per watt is $3.04, but larger systems often have a lower cost per watt.
Mounting system: This is what holds rooftop solar panels in place. Costs vary depending on the type of solar installation, but it generally costs between 7 and 20 cents per watt. Electrical wiring and hardware: This includes the wiring, switches and circuit breakers required to connect the solar panel system to your home's electrical system.
You'll pay an average of $14,608 to install a 5 kilowatt solar panel system in New York, before incentives. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) lowers that price by 30% of all your solar equipment and installation costs. Why trust EnergySage? As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information.
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